WELSH sixth-form students will be able to take an A-level which teaches issues surrounding global poverty and social justice within a year.

The WJEC will be the only exam board in the UK to offer an A-level in world development, which it already offers as an AS-level.

About 500 students took the AS-level in world development last year, of which 40 were from Wales.

But the WJEC needs accreditation from ACCAC, the Welsh qualifications authority, before it can launch the course.

Raye Scott, the WJEC's world development subject officer, said, "By having a complete A-level, students will be able to look at some difficult issues like world trade and sustainable development in more depth and develop their own opinions on them.

"It will enable young people to respond to important life skills and become better citizens. It is multi-disciplinary and incorporates politics, history, geography and economics."